Cobh

Cobh in Co. Cork is a captivating town nestled in the second largest natural harbour in the world and at the start of Ireland’s Ancient East.

The waterside town is steeped in history, awash with culture, full of great restaurants and bars and has lots of attractions and exhibitions within a short distance of each other. There’s oodles of fun things to do for everyone, from families to the adventurous and those seeking culture and heritage.

Trace the footsteps of Titanic passengers at the Titanic Experience:

Cobh was of course, the last port of call for the Titanic. The Titanic Experience offers visitors an opportunity to travel in the footsteps of an actual passenger on that famous ship’s tragic maiden voyage. Only at the end will you discover if you were one of those who survived or were lost! The Experience is housed in the original White Star Line Ticket Office which was the embarkation point for the final 123 passengers to board Titanic on April 11th 1912.

Hop on board Cobh’s Road Train:

Combining breathtaking panoramic views of the town with brilliant history and local stories told by the driver Martin, this is an attraction surely not to be missed for anyone visiting Cobh. Cobh Road Train takes you around the town stopping at two fantastic locations; the viewpoint known locally as the Black railings and the famous St. Colman’s Cathedral. Kids especially will love a ride through Cobh on the train on this hour long informative and fun trip.

Visit the famous St. Colman’s Cathedral

Perched on the hillside, St Colman’s Cathedral is one of the most popular attractions in the region. Impressive and imposing from the outside, the stained glass and carvings inside are exquisite. Its 49-bell Carillon is the only such instrument in this country and is the largest in Ireland and Britain.

Trace your ancestors at Cobh Heritage Centre:

Cobh, or Queenstown as it was once called, was once said to be the saddest town in Ireland due to its connection with Irish immigration. Almost 3 million people from every corner of Ireland emigrated from this port and scattered throughout the globe. Their story is told in wonderful detail in the amazing Cobh Heritage Centre. Here you can explore the conditions on board the early emigrant vessels, including the dreaded "coffin ships”; experience life on board a convict ship leaving for Australia in 1801; witness the tragic story of the Lusitania, which sank off Cork Harbour and learn about Annie Moore, the first immigrant ever to be processed in Ellis Island. The Centre has a specific exhibition dedicated to the ill-fated Titanic, including a message in a bottle that survived from the ship, and it also offers a Genealogy Record Finder Service so you can trace your ancestors.